On April 22, 2010 the EPAs Renovation Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule went into effect to address lead dust hazards created during renovation of properties older than 1978, this rule only applies to painted surfaces. As of April 22nd, 2010 all contractors were required to be certified and follow specific work practice standards “Lead-Safe Work Practices.” However, a June 18th, 2010 memorandum from the EPA provided firms and individuals additional time to enroll in and take the required training courses to become certified lead-based paint renovators and renovation firms.
The memorandum of June 18th, 2010 did not change requirements that contractors take appropriate steps to keep families and children safe from the dangers of lead poisoning and associated recordkeeping requirements. The memorandum only extended the time requirements to register and take the required training courses associated with the Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule.
The EPA has posted training materials at: www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/training.htm.
Renovation Firms have until October 1st, 2010 to be certified with the EPA. All firms that are not certified by October 1st, 2010, will be subject to penalties for failing to comply with the renovation firm requirements of the RRP rule.
Individual Renovators have until September 30th, 2010 to enroll in a certified renovator class to train contractors in practices necessary for compliance with the final RRP rules. Individual Renovators have until December 31st, 2010 to complete the required training courses.
Some basic information about the RRP Rule:
Homeowners, apartment owners, government-assisted or public housing, schools and childcare facilities that are older than 1978 that have a contractor disturb a painted surface do to renovation, repair or painting must have the contractor:
A. Assume the property contains lead-based paint and follow lead-safe work practices, or
B. You or your contractor may also test for lead using a lead test kit. These kits must be EPA-approved, or
C. Hire a certified professional to check for lead-based paint. These professionals are certified risk assessors or inspectors and can determine if your home has lead or lead hazards.
Essco Safety Check is professional lead-based firm (in Washington State) ready to help contractors, homeowners, childcare facility operators, schools and business with all their RRP lead inspection needs.
Essco Safety Check has certified lead professionals who will come to your location and provide non-destructive X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) testing to inspect for lead-based paint. We will help you save time & money with hassle-free lead inspection services and assist you with all your data storage and EPA testing compliance issues.
Contact Essco Safety Check at http://www.essco-safetycheck.com/services/re.htm for more information or call Seth at 425-749-4136
Additional information on lead-safe work practices can be found at www.epa.gov/lead or obtained from the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD (5323)
Additional information on EPA RRP compliance can be found here: http://epa.gov/lead/pubs/sbcomplianceguide.pdf
Lead-Safe Certified Guide “Renovate Right” can be found here: http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovaterightbrochure.pdf
Know what is in your environment and mitigate harm!
